Check your phones for a new download.

[ShaggyKids]

Hi there,

Has anyone got any more information on the new settings entry (SETTINGS --> GOOGLE SETTINGS) that says COVID-19 Exposure Notifications. ??????? If you click on that entry it tells you that you have to download a "participating" app in order for it to work. This makes me think its some kind of ad malware or something of the sort. I found this on Facebook so I was thinking "consider the source" but I checked anyway and there it was exactly where the FB post said it would be.

It's suppose to notify you if you've been in contact w/anyone who's tested positive for covid which of course HIPPA would not like!

I don't see it in the apps so it looks like it can't be uninstalled. This supposedly was secretly installed on all phones both Android and iPhones over this past weekend. Everyone I've mentioned this too has subsequently found it on their phones. It sounds creepy, makes me feel creepy and watched and I want it off my phone. I hope you Android experts have more than this on the whole thing and how to get rid of it, too.

Thank you,
Deb

 

[B. Diddy]

It hasn't been secret: https://www.google.com/covid19/exposurenotifications/

 

[jhilker]

It's turned off by default, so you have to enable it and download the app on order for it to work.

I found this in the Learn More section:

How Exposure Notifications work:

Once you opt-in to the Exposure Notifications System, it will generate random IDs on your device. To help prevent tracking, your phone's random ID changes every 10-20 minutes.

Your phone works in the background to share these random IDs via Bluetooth with the phones around you that also have Exposure Notifications on. When your phone detects a random ID from another device, it records and stores the ID on your device.

If someone reports having COVID-19 and their ID is stored on your phone, your app will notify you of next steps to take.

 

[Mooncatt]

There's already a thread on this here, with details on how it all works.

https://forums.androidcentral.com/showthread.php?t=1002665

Long story short, there are no privacy or HIPPA concerns.

 

[ShaggyKids]

Thanks, everyone. Do you mind if I share your input with others as long as I don't use your names?

 

[Mooncatt]

Thanks, everyone. Do you mind if I share your input with others as long as I don't use your names?

I don't care, but I would suggest you share the video I linked in the other thread in addition to any comments. An explanation from a security podcast hosted by a nationally syndicated tech radio broadcaster will hold more water than "some random dude on another website."

 

[hallux]

This supposedly was secretly installed on all phones both Android and iPhones over this past weekend

This has been on my Pixel 2 XL for over a month. It was part of a Play Services framework update (which WAS silently installed). I'll defer to the other comments and threads on the rest as they pretty well cover it...

 

[Kizzy Catwoman]

It is used to enable government approved covid tracing apps like the NHS one in England